Linda Lael Miller's national bestselling novels of frontier life overflow with the passion and warmth of Springwater, a tiny stagecoach stop that blossoms into a bustling Montana town. Rachel Springwater's first schoolteacher, she crosses paths with rough-hewn barkeep Trey Hargreaves, who puts a slow burn on her proper Eastern ways. Savannah Behind her rouge and bangles, the dance-hall girl has a sure and steady heart. Can her kind, gentle love help Dr. Prescott Parrish heal his wounded spirit? Miranda An unwed mother in search of a place to call home, she finds her heart's desire in Springwater—and in the arms of rancher Landry Kildare. Jessica The sparks fly when she comes to take charge of her late brother's bankrupt newspaper—and finds herself in a heated love match with town mayor Gage Calloway. FOUR SPLENDID SPRINGWATER NOVELS—TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME!

"Many people consider ground water deep beneath their feet as mysterious, perhaps even supernatural. To clarify matters, hydrogeologist Frank Chapelle has written a definitive history and science of subsurface water in his Wellsprings, a book both accessible to the lay reader while being filled with startling nuggets of information pleasing to the professional water scientist."--Donald Siegel, professor of earth sciences, Syracuse University "This book tells the story of bottled water in the United States in a highly readable and in-depth way, covering both the facts of the subject, and the persons and events that resulted in this now ubiquitous product."--Stephen C. Edberg, professor, Yale University Bottled water is a part of everyday life for millions of Americans. Per capita consumption in the United States now tops fifteen gallons per year with sales over $5 billion in 2002. Even as fuel prices climb, many people are still willing to pay more for a gallon of bottled water than they are for the equivalent in gasoline. At the same time, bottled water has become a symbol of refined taste and a healthy lifestyle. But despite its growing popularity, many people cannot quite put their finger on just why they prefer bottled water to the much less expensive tap variety. Some have a vague notion that bottled water is "healthier," some prefer the convenience and more consistent taste, and others are simply content to follow the trend. The fact is most people know very little about the natural beverage that they drink and enjoy. It is reasonable to wonder, therefore, just what differentiates bottled water from other water? Is it really better or healthier than tap water? Why is it that different brands seem to have subtle variations in taste? As Francis H. Chapelle reveals in this delightful and informative volume, a complex story of geology, hydrology, and history lies behind every bottle of spring water. The book chronicles the history of the bottled water industry in America from its beginnings in Europe hundreds of years ago to the present day. Subsequent chapters describe the chemical characteristics that make some waters desirable, and provide an overview of the geologic circumstances that produce them. Wellsprings explains how these geologic conditions vary throughout the country, and how this affects the kinds and quality of bottled water that are available. Finally, Chapelle shows how the bottled water industry uses this natural history, together with the perceived health benefits of spring waters, to market their products. Accessibly written and well illustrated, Wellsprings is both a revealing account and a user's guide to natural spring waters. Regardless of your drinking preference, this timely exploration will make your next drink of water refreshingly informed.

This book provides information about springs, mineral waters, and thermal waters used for municipal, industrial, and agricultural water supplies and the rapidly expanding bottled water industry. The role of springs is described for ancient civilizations, military campaigns and, in more recent times, for tourism and health spas. In addition, their source, occurrence, and methods for development and use are described. The book contains data obtained from major hydrogeologic databases and from leading hydrogeologists.

Water went from being a free natural resource to one of the most successful commercial products of the last one hundred years. That's a big story, and water is big business. Gleick exposes the true reasons we've turned to the bottle, from fear mongering by business interests and our own vanity to the breakdown of public systems and global inequities.